Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelbyville, TN (2025 Update)

  • Shelbyville Solar Installation Cost: $19,814
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,433
  • Payback Period: 25.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelbyville

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Shelbyville.

The average cost of solar panels in Shelbyville is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,814 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shelbyville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $9,700 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Shelbyville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,250
3 years$-15,120
5 years$-11,991
7 years$-8,861
9 years$-5,732
11 years$-2,602
13 years$527
15 years$3,657
17 years$6,786
19 years$9,916
21 years$13,045
23 years$16,175
25 years$19,304

Top Solar Installers in Shelbyville

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Shelbyville, therefore optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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See all of the solar companies in Shelbyville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelbyville

For many Shelbyville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Shelbyville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Shelbyville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$-1,05626.8 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$-1,00826.3 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$-75825.8 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$-30925.3 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$34224.7 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$1,19224.2 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$2,24323.7 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$3,49523.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Shelbyville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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EcoWatch's Shelbyville, TN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelbyville?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Shelbyville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Shelbyville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shelbyville is currently $285,855, so you can expect a value of about $11,720 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shelbyville is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.